One of GIFT‘s main streams of work is advancing norms on fiscal transparency. An important part of that effort the GIFT High-Level Principles on Fiscal Transparency, which were endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 (UNGA Resolution 67/218). This resolution encouraged member states to “intensify efforts to enhance transparency, participation and accountability in fiscal policies, including through the consideration of the principles set out by GIFT“.

Given the limited guidance on how public entities should engage directly with the public in managing public resources (Principle 10), GIFT embarked on a substantial multi-year work program to generate greater knowledge about country practices and recent innovations in citizen engagement.

In 2016, after an extensive public consultation process, we are launching a new set of principles: the new Principles of Public Participation in Fiscal Policy.